If you’re looking to restore your smile, porcelain veneers are an affordable, efficient option. At Nashoba Valley Dental, Dr. Matthew Annese specializes in the application of porcelain veneers for patients in Groton, Lunenburg, Pepperhill, and Leominster. Call us today to schedule a consultation to see if veneers are the right treatment for you.
Porcelain veneers are extremely thin, tooth-shaped pieces of porcelain that are designed to fit over your existing teeth, essentially replacing them. Because they can cover up minor damage, stains, and other cosmetic issues quickly, they are a very popular choice for smile makeovers.
Porcelain veneers can usually be applied in just two treatment sessions at Nashoba Valley Dental. After Dr. Annese has confirmed that you’re a good candidate for veneers, he will begin the process of veneer application by removing a very thin layer of enamel from the teeth that will be treated. This layer is equal in thickness to the porcelain veneer, and it’s removed to ensure at tight, seamless fit. The process of enamel removal is very gentle, and local numbing agents can be used to reduce discomfort during the process.
Then, images and molds of your teeth are taken and sent to an outside lab, where your veneers will be created in the shape and color that you desire. The process of manufacturing veneers typically takes 2-3 weeks, so you will get a set of temporary veneers to wear in the meantime.
At your next appointment, Dr. Annese will check the fit, shape, color, and style of your new veneers. If they fit perfectly, he will bond them into place with dental adhesive, and the procedure is complete. You’ll leave our office with a brand new, confident smile!
Porcelain veneers are used for treating a wide variety of cosmetic issues, such as:
It’s important to note that veneers are a cosmetic procedure. They are not designed to repair significantly damaged teeth. They are only meant to cover up healthy teeth that have minor imperfections.
No. Veneers cannot be removed. For all intents and purposes, this procedure is permanent and irreversible. This is because, during treatment, Dr. Annese must remove a thin layer of enamel from each of your teeth to prepare for the placement of your veneers. This is done to make sure each veneer adheres properly and does not add awkward, unnatural bulk to your smile. This layer of enamel is quite thin (0.5mm, in most cases).
Once your veneers have been built and placed, your teeth will be just as strong as they were before they were trimmed. If you are more interested in reversible cosmetic dental treatment, you may want to consider choosing an alternative treatment like dental bonding. While it is less durable, dental bonding offers similar results and does not require the removal of any enamel during the preparation process.
Veneers typically last for up to 15 years with proper handling and care. A veneer is made of porcelain which can be a fragile material compared to other dental materials used in crowns and restorations such as zirconia or metal.
Though they are durable and stain-resistant, they are prone to chipping, cracking, or breaking if they are exposed to continuous wear and tear. They can even become discolored over time so you need to limit your exposure to stains.
Don’t smoke, practice good oral hygiene, and avoid smoking. This will prevent discoloration. Don’t chew on hard or sticky foods, use your teeth as tools, or sleep without a mouthguard if you have bruxism. This will protect your teeth from damage.
Regular dental cleanings will prevent tooth decay and gum disease and remove surface stains from your veneers. During your checkups, Dr. Annese will examine the condition of your veneers to determine if they need to be replaced.
The ADA reports that the price range for porcelain veneers is $925 to $2500 per tooth. However, some people opt for composite veneers which are a bit cheaper, ranging from $400 to $2000.
It also depends on how many veneers you are going to receive. Some people only need one veneer to cover up problems on one tooth, while others want to transform their smile by covering all of their visible upper teeth.
Since veneers are a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance doesn’t cover them. Though they can be a costly investment, you don’t want to get the cheapest veneers you can find. Cost is associated with the level of expertise of a cosmetic dentist in Shirley, WA, the advanced dental tools they are using, as well as the quality of materials.
The phrase “you get what you pay for” is true in this case. At Nashoba Valley Dental, we offer financing options through CareCredit and Flex Chex and an in-office financing option to help you fund your treatment.
The main difference between lumineers and veneers is the amount of preparation involved, the thickness of the material, and whether or not they are reversible. Veneers are .5 mm thick which requires the removal of a proportional amount of tooth enamel from the teeth that are receiving veneers.
This creates space for the veneers to fit over the teeth without sticking out. However, this change to your enamel permanently changes your natural tooth structure and never grows back, so you will always need to cover your teeth with veneers for the rest of your life.
This is because your teeth will be too thin without them, so veneers can be thought of as a permanent procedure even though they need to be replaced about every 15 years. Lumineers, on the other hand, are reversible because they are thin enough to be bonded to the enamel without removing your natural tooth enamel.
Your teeth will remain unchanged so your lumineers can be removed at any time without any consequences. However, because lumineers are ultra-thin, they aren’t as effective at covering up severe discoloration and other noticeable cosmetic problems that can show through the more transparent tooth shell.
Porcelain veneers are more opaque and can mask severe cosmetic issues. If you’re interested in veneers, contact us at Nashoba Valley Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Annese.
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